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Confirmation of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Death in Plane Crash Announced by Russian Authorities

by Michael Nguyen
8 comments
Yevgeny Prigozhin's death

On Sunday, Russian officials verified the demise of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the commander of the Wagner Group, effectively dispelling uncertainties surrounding his presence on the ill-fated aircraft that went down last Wednesday, claiming the lives of all individuals on board.

Svetlana Petrenko, a spokesperson for the Russian Investigative Committee, announced in an official communiqué that genetic tests carried out on the ten cadavers retrieved from the crash site are consistent with the flight manifest. Earlier, Russia’s Civil Aviation Authority had disclosed that Prigozhin, along with some of his senior aides, were among the seven passengers and three crew members on the plane.

The Investigative Committee has yet to reveal any information about the possible factors contributing to the sudden crash of the business jet, which occurred en route between Moscow and St. Petersburg—Prigozhin’s place of origin.

The timing of the crash has fueled conjecture that it might have been a deliberate act orchestrated by the Kremlin, especially given Prigozhin’s complex and adaptive history that led some to question whether he had actually been on board or had evaded death in some manner.

Two months prior to the incident, the 62-year-old Prigozhin led a mutiny against the Russian military, directing his mercenary forces from Ukraine toward Moscow. This act was denounced as “treason” by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who pledged retribution against those involved.

Additional Reports

  • U.S. Intelligence Concludes Intentional Explosion Led to Prigozhin’s Plane Crash
  • Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Brief Revolt Against the Kremlin
  • Final Months of Prigozhin Marked by Kremlin’s Ambiguities

Rather than prosecuting Prigozhin, an agreement was swiftly reached between him and the Kremlin to terminate the armed insurrection. The arrangement stipulated that he would not face legal repercussions and could relocate to Belarus. Questions lingered, however, regarding whether this former confidant of the Russian leader would ultimately face retribution for initiating the most significant challenge to Putin’s 23-year tenure.

A provisional assessment by U.S. intelligence agencies indicated that the plane’s crash was the result of a deliberate explosion. As insinuations mounted that President Putin might have masterminded an assassination, the Kremlin vehemently dismissed these claims as “utter falsehoods.”

An unidentified Western official cited the initial intelligence assessment, suggesting that it was “highly probable” Prigozhin was deliberately targeted, which would align with Putin’s documented practice of neutralizing critics.

Wagner Group’s Uncertain Future

The second-in-command of the Wagner Group, Dmitry Utkin, as well as the group’s logistics expert, Valery Chekalov, were also confirmed dead in the crash. Utkin had been widely regarded as the founder of Wagner and was the inspiration behind its pseudonym.

The future trajectory of the Wagner Group remains undetermined. The paramilitary organization had been notably active in Russia’s military endeavors in Ukraine and had extended its operations to several countries in Africa and the Middle East.

Following the aborted revolt, Prigozhin was granted exile in Belarus, with his forces given three alternatives: accompany him to Belarus, retire, or join the Russian regular army and redeploy to Ukraine. Subsequently, a large number of Wagner mercenaries chose to relocate to Belarus, where a temporary camp was established for them, situated to the southeast of the nation’s capital, Minsk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death

What happened to Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner Group?

Yevgeny Prigozhin died in a plane crash. Russian authorities confirmed his death and stated that genetic testing on the bodies recovered from the crash site matched the flight manifest, which included Prigozhin and some of his top aides.

Did the Russian Investigative Committee indicate what caused the crash?

No, the Russian Investigative Committee has not released any information about the potential causes of the business jet’s crash between Moscow and St. Petersburg.

What did U.S. intelligence say about the crash?

A preliminary assessment by U.S. intelligence agencies indicated that the plane’s crash was likely the result of a deliberate explosion. This has led to speculations that Russian President Vladimir Putin might have orchestrated an assassination.

Why is there suspicion about the Kremlin’s involvement in the crash?

The timing of the crash and Prigozhin’s recent acts of mutiny against the Russian military have led to suspicions. Furthermore, the Kremlin’s swift agreement to allow Prigozhin to walk free and relocate to Belarus instead of facing charges has added to these suspicions.

What will happen to the Wagner Group now?

The future of the Wagner Group is uncertain. It had played a prominent role in Russia’s military activities, especially in Ukraine, and had operations in several African and Middle Eastern countries. Following Prigozhin’s exile decision, many of the group’s mercenaries have relocated to Belarus.

What were the final months of Prigozhin like?

Prigozhin’s final months were marked by a brief mutiny against the Russian military, which was described as “treason” by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite this, an agreement was reached that allowed Prigozhin to avoid legal repercussions and move to Belarus.

What options were given to Wagner mercenaries after Prigozhin’s exile?

After Prigozhin was granted exile in Belarus, his fighters were offered three options: to follow him to Belarus, to retire, or to join Russia’s regular army and return to Ukraine.

Who else died in the plane crash?

Along with Yevgeny Prigozhin, his second-in-command, Dmitry Utkin, and Wagner logistics mastermind, Valery Chekalov, were also confirmed dead in the crash.

More about Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death

  • Russian Authorities Confirm Death of Wagner Group Chief
  • Preliminary U.S. Intelligence Assessment on Plane Crash
  • The Role of the Wagner Group in Russia’s Military Operations
  • Kremlin Denies Involvement in Plane Crash
  • Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Brief Revolt Against the Kremlin
  • Wagner Group’s Operations in Africa and the Middle East
  • The Implications for Putin’s Authority After the Mutiny
  • Wagner Mercenaries Relocate to Belarus After Prigozhin’s Exile

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8 comments

TruthSeeker101 August 27, 2023 - 4:57 pm

So many unanswered questions! Like, why Belarus? And why did Kremlin let him off the hook so easily? Just doesnt add up.

Reply
EcoWarrior August 27, 2023 - 7:40 pm

Don’t know much bout politics but plane crashes are always tragic. Hope they get to the bottom of what really happened.

Reply
FinanceGuru August 27, 2023 - 10:00 pm

This could have big economic impacts too, depending on what Wagner was involved in. Keeping an eye on this.

Reply
LilyM August 27, 2023 - 11:11 pm

Why do i get the feeling theres more to the story? Seems like a Hollywood plot but its real life.

Reply
CryptoLover August 28, 2023 - 6:16 am

Intentional explosion, eh? U.S intel always has its theories. But we gotta admit, its a bit fishy.

Reply
JohnSmith2023 August 28, 2023 - 8:09 am

Wow, this is big news! Hard to believe Prigozhin is actually gone. What’s gonna happen to Wagner now?

Reply
PolicyWonk August 28, 2023 - 9:14 am

The political implications here are huge. A direct challenge to Putin’s authority ends like this? Sounds like something outta a thriller novel.

Reply
CarEnthusiast August 28, 2023 - 1:49 pm

Not really my field but this stuff is insane. Makes you wonder how deep this all goes.

Reply

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